New Microsoft Update Warning—850 Million Windows PC Owners Need To Pay. $30 annually.

[Windwalker]

Microsoft has suddenly issued a new warning for Windows users who either can’t or won’t shift from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The free ride is over—the warning includes a stark reminder that to protect their PCs those users need to pay.

 

“Starting in October 2025,” the latest set of nag warns, “Microsoft will no longer provide free security updates for Windows 10.” There then seems to be a range of different ads that follow this universal security warning—some for Co-pilot PCs, some just pushing the upgrade process. “We're reaching out to thank you for your loyalty to Windows,” the nag screen reassures, “and help prepare you for what's next.”

There remain around 850 million Windows 10 users, with more than half of those reportedly using PCs that don’t meet the technical requirements to upgrade to Windows 11. 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2024/11/21/new-microsoft-update-warning-400-million-windows-pc-owners-need-to-pay/

 

$30 annually to keep Windows 10, doesn't sound so bad, but with Microsoft's' track record of dropping programs and endeavors on short notice. At least, Windows users have nearly a year of time left before you have to jump on the subscription wagon. --Ron

 

Your thoughts, would you pay $30 annually for Windows 10? Not a bad price. in my opinion. 

[Laidback]

If push comes to shove, I'll pay $30 for a year, about the same as a couple McDonald's meals.  I suspect something else will follow that, but by then we're into 2027, the entire landscape might have changed again. 

[lightfootfan]

I think that's called extortion.

noun

1. Illegal use of one's official position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage.
2. The act or an instance of extorting something, as by psychological pressure.
3. An excessive or exorbitant charge.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition •

[Windwalker]

12 hours ago, Laidback said:

If push comes to shove, I'll pay $30 for a year, about the same as a couple McDonald's meals.  I suspect something else will follow that, but by then we're into 2027, the entire landscape might have changed again. 

I agree, that is a cheap maintenance price for the product. There's another very major change coming down the pike in the future, but that is best for another topic.

 

5 hours ago, lightfootfan said:

I think that's called extortion.

noun

1. Illegal use of one's official position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage.
2. The act or an instance of extorting something, as by psychological pressure.
3. An excessive or exorbitant charge.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition •

You are absolutely right! The problem is, MS and big tech own most of the government, or did, years were spent trying to break MS's monopoly on computer manufacturers, and getting Windows browser out of the main core. 

[Laidback]

I can see Microsoft's dilemma,  it's created a customer base that figures it should be provided updates and new software for free,  forever.   I have an HP laptop that I bought in 2008,  it originally came with Windows Vista , 32 bit, and a bunch of HP and other vendor basic programs.   It still runs great for what I use it for,  and I've updated it from Vista through to Windows 10 for free,  I haven't paid so much as a dime for new software or security updates for it.   I can hardly complain that I've been supported and updated for free for over 16 years.   I have other computers, desktops with much the same story.  I've tried other operating systems,  Apple, Android, and Linux, and I keep coming back to the familiarity of Microsoft,  and I'll stick with them.   I probably owe them a couple dollars just for all the stuff I do, and have done over the years,  using their operating systems for next to nothing.   

[wildman]

An they wonder why more people switch to Linux.

Always,

Wildman

 

[Windwalker]

@Laidback I agree, it is a small amount to pay per year. I enjoyed it for many years. I hear leaks and rumblings from the tech sites, that as I said, there is something coming, that you won't have "any" control over. While it does solve some issues such as hardware requirements (for a while) it will be really strange. I'll try to do a topic on it tonight, or tomorrow, and link to this one for reference.

[Laidback]

52 minutes ago, wildman said:

An they wonder why more people switch to Linux.

 

For desktop computers and laptops, Microsoft Windows has 73%, followed by Apple's macOS at 15%, desktop Linux at 4.5%, then Google's ChromeOS at 2.25%.   Linux might gain more share if it was easier to install, and the many versions weren't so confusing.  The average user just wants plain and simple, most don't use  anything more than internet access and email. 

[Windwalker]

Great information, Laidback. 

 

Ther future of Windows, from what I am researching, will be a basic computer you can buy, (mini computer) for around $349 currently. No more backing up your entire system OS. All will be in the cloud. You will be able to have Office on your mini desktop, I believe, if you want, or keep it in the cloud. . But it will suit many, not having to worry about updates, and crashes.

[Laidback]

Much like Chromebook, my son bought one, 1/5 the price of his Mac, for use to access mail and internet when he's away from home, plus other features.  Everything stored in the cloud, no worries about backups or software.  

[wildman]

Yup trust the cloud. Oops do we really know who is behind the cloud? Really no worries about backups or software? Sure hope individuals with these machines do not have them crash on them. Nope a refurbished computer from Pc's for people with Linux Mint installed is way good enough for me.

Always,

Wildman

 

[lightfootfan]

I don't trust 'the cloud'.